The number 10 holds great significance in our reality, as the first of the double digits, it becomes a goal of sorts in early childhood, as we dream of the day we'll be a "big kid". As time passes, while we may not be rushing to further our age, the meaning of the number stays relevant. The number 10 represents new beginnings and endings much the same. In numerology 10 signifies a new phase, the closing of a cycle, and a moment for repose before the next cycle starts moving. Furthermore, 10 is often shown to symbolize hard work paying off, and that work leading to success and abundance.
This last piece of symbolism is extremely fitting when you apply it to the oddity-laden shelves of an ever-growing QC mainstay known as Abernathy's. Abernathys's, a local purveyor of true vintage clothing, along with homemade jewelry, art, and more, owned and operated by Becca Nicke and Red Perez, is celebrating a decade of business in the greater Quad City area. I met Becca through mutual friends prior to Abernathy's opening, so I remember when the idea became an actuality, and to think that was 10 years ago has me feeling old. 10 years is no small task, made even more impressive considering they were front and center for the flood of 2019, as the barriers broke and water flooded through 2nd St in downtown Davenport. The river eventually filled their storefront with more than 4 feet of water, causing Becca and Red to move from where they began 6 years before their new location on the corner of 3rd and Scott in Davenport.
With the number 10 representing the opening and/or closing of a cycle, it’s only apt that Abernathy’s chose to have their anniversary celebration at The Raccoon Motel. The current incarnation of this locally legendary venue is actually in the former Abernathy’s headquarters. When I arrived Saturday the instrumentation of The One Night Standards was already carving its way from the stage, beyond the trio of go-go dancers on their platforms, and supplying a surf-laden soundtrack all the way out to the smoking crowd resting just beyond the line separating the bar from the open air of downtown Davenport. Back in the bar, an eclectic crowd traded hugs and drink orders, while the normal black band tees were in attendance, the freshly shined shoes and vintage vibes filling The Raccoon, helped show off everyone’s best in revelry of one of the Quad Cities best local retailers.
The Afterdarks then graced the stage, bringing more than enough energy to keep the dancers from Bottoms Up Burlesque going as the balloons I kicked my way through towards the stage were now overwhelming the stage itself, and the high-powered punk they brought came to close with a barrage of balloon popping beneath red snake-skinned boots. The night was closed out by Three On The Tree, and fitting to the name they played fast-paced pyschobilly songs about straight pipes and quick cars complete with spinning stand-up basses and coats originally purchased from the business we were all there to celebrate, and celebrations were had.
It’s been quite some time since I have seen so many happy faces and dancing shoes filling both rooms of The Raccoon Motel, and while the sign above the door has its vacancy light ablaze, like a beacon calling everyone in, at times I’d have bet that vacancy was hard to find among the crowd. It’s fitting that a store so known for its unique array of oddities had its original space come to be occupied by another lover of “vintage collectibles”, as the walls of The Raccoon Motel clearly showcase. The space where Becca and Red would make alterations is now a stage full of amplification, proving that art seldom dies, it simply rearranges itself and is born into new forms of expression for future individuals to enjoy. Here’s to (at least) another decade of Abernathys!